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POK Volume 11 | Number 9 | September 2018 News Digest A MONTHLY NEWS DIGEST ON OCCUPIED

Compiled & Edited by Dr Yaqoob-ul Hassan

Political Developments Militants Burn Down 12 Schools in Pakistan's - AJK PM warns India not to Abolish Article 35A, 13th Amendment a landmark achievement for AJK Terror Threats to Gilgit Baltistan loom ahead

Economic Developments AJK Approves Projects Worth Rs1.31 billion Fund to Build Diamer Basha and Mohmand dams in Pakistan Reaches nearly INR1 billion

No. 1, Development Enclave, Rao Tula Ram Marg New Delhi-110 010 Jammu & Kashmir

(Source: Based on the Survey of India Map, Govt of India 2000)

September 2018 1 In this Edition

Gilgit-Baltistan over a couple of years did not experience any big terrorist or sectarian attacks. But recently twelve schools, half of them all-girls', have been burnt down by unidentified militants in coordinated attacks in Pakistan's restive Gilgit-Baltistan. The burning of schools resulted in a protest by local residents who sought safety for educational institutions which are often attacked by terrorists. Initially, the local government tried to downplay the incidents and tried to control the damage by saying that the miscreants who were behind torching schools have been apprehended. But after a couple of days, it came into notice that the local police are facing it difficult to fight the terrorists who were hiding on the mountains. Sensing the backlash from the various quarters, the Pakistan administration finally decided to launch the military operation against terrorist in the Ghizer valley.

The attack on the girl schools is a grim reminder that the terrorists are down but not out in the region. They can make come back anytime on their will. The already sectarian divide in the Gilgit-Baltistan could again come under the scanner of the terrorist organisations particularly the Islamic State which has grown in strength and power in the Af-Pak region.

Yaqoob ul Hassan

A Monthly Newsletter on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir 2 Political Developments

Darakhshan Anjum, Rs 441.645 million Donation disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and Received for the Construction of Dams in Pakistan contributing towards improving livelihood. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/kashmir/ajk-lauds-pakistan- Research Snipers, August 1, 2018 red-crescents-vibrant-wor-403691.html Till now Rs441.645 million donation has been Pakistan reiterates full support to Kashmiris received for the construction of dams in Pakistan. For Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand dams The Nation, August 3, 2018 construction, people have donated funds from all over the country. In accordance to the Supreme Court of AJK President Sardar Masood Khan August 2 Pakistan directive State Bank of Pakistan established discussed with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Ms “Supreme Court of Pakistan’s Diamer Bhasha and Tahmina Junjua the recent situation in “Indian Mohmand Dams Fund”. The account was set up to Occupied Jammu & Kashmir” and strongly raise funds for the construction of Diamer Bhasha condemned the ‘Indian state terrorism’ in the valley. and Mohmand Dams. The AJK president said that the report released by the Office of the High Commissioner of Human https://www.researchsnipers.com/rs-441-645-million- Rights has shone the light on the crimes against donation-received-for-the-construction-of-dams-in-pakistan/ humanity being committed in “IOK” and helped Rukhshan Mir, AJK Lauds Pakistan Red expose India’s apparatus of state terrorism and state- sponsored violence. After the release of this report Crescent’s Vibrant Working For Welfare Of the international community, international Public organisations and the United Nations has no justification left in not taking necessary steps against Point, August 2, 2018 India and helping Pakistan and Kashmir in ending Appreciating the vibrant role of Pakistan Red the oppressive rule of India in the occupied territory. Crescent for the rehabilitation of the ailing humanity https://nation.com.pk/03-Aug-2018/pakistan-reiterates-full- during both emergency and peace time, AJK President support-to-kashmiris Sardar Masood Khan has said Pakistan Red Crescent is actively working for the welfare of the general Militants burn down 12 schools in Pakistan’s public and offering support services including food, Gilgit-Baltistan; locals protest for safer clean water, and medical treatment as and when educational institutions needed.

The President praised the Red Crescent for effectively First Post, August 3, 2018 building resilient communities, and working Twelve schools, half of them all-girls’, have been extensively on training volunteers and also in burnt down by unidentified militants in coordinated expanding its network and programmes all over the attacks in Pakistan’s restive Gilgit-Baltistan, country. He said the trained volunteer network of triggering protest by local residents who sought safety Pakistan Red Crescent is working extensively on for educational institutions which are often attacked

September 2018 3 by terrorists, officials said on August 3. The schools Commissioner Diamir to submit report of the incident in town, about 130-kilometre from Gilgit, were and informed him accordingly. targeted late on August 2 night by the militants who set them on fire and damaged school property across https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/chief-minister-gilgit- Diamer , police said. baltistan-hafiz-hafeez-404190.html https://www.firstpost.com/world/militants-burn-down-12- Pakistani police kill prime suspect in torching of schools-in--gilgit-baltistan-locals-protest-for-safer- 14 Gilgit-Baltistan schools during search educational-institutions-4887491.html operation

Schools burnt in GB after calls for dams’ First Post, August 5, 2018 construction, says CJP Pakistani police on August 5 killed the prime suspect behind the brazen arson attacks targeting Geo News, August 4, 2018 14 schools, mostly all-girls’, in the Gilgit-Baltistan The Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib region, according to a media report. The schools Nisar remarked on August 4 that schools were burnt were burnt down over a period of two days in down in Gilgit-Baltistan after the call for construction coordinated attacks in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer of dams. He also urged the people of Pakistan to district, triggering protest by local residents who ensure the construction of Bhasha-Diamer dam. “I sought safety for educational institutions. “The haven’t done any favours pertaining to the prime suspect believed to be responsible for the construction of the dam,” he said while addressing torching of 14 girls’ schools over a period of two bar. Reiterating the need for building dams days in Gilgit-Baltistan’s was killed during a to overcome Pakistan’s acute water shortage, the CJP search operation in the Tanger area today,” Diamer in his remarks during a case hearing observed that Police Spokesperson Muhammad Wakeel was the Supreme Court has appealed [to the public] to quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper gather funds for immediate construction of Bhasha and Mohmand dams. https://www.firstpost.com/world/pakistani-police-kill-prime- suspect-in-torching-of-14-gilgit-baltistan-schools-during- https://www.geo.tv/latest/206117-cjp-urges-pakistanis-to- search-operation-4896031.html ensure-construction-of-diamer-bhasha-dam Sadia Kazmi, CPEC: A Boon for Gilgit-Baltistan Faizan Hashmi, Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan, Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman Condemns Torching Of Modern Diplomacy, August 5, 2018 Girl Schools In GB, Seek Report From Commissioner Diamir Gilgit-Baltistan being the only entry point between and Pakistan holds immense significance Urdu Point, August 3, 2018 which translates into this region being strategically important not just for China but for Pakistan as well. Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan, Hafiz Hafeezur Neglecting this region in anyway will not reap the Rehman here August 3 strongly condemned torching promised benefits of CPEC for Pakistan, and this is of girls schools at Diamir district and sought report already clearly understood by the Pakistani policy form Commissioner Diamir. The Chief Minister makers. Although some serious irritants remain to directed the authorities concerned to take strict action be resolved including the mainstreaming of Gilgit- against elements involved in putting on fire of the Baltistan. Nonetheless, the problems shouldn’t hold girls’ schools. He said those elements taken law in back the development of the region. CPEC which hands would not be spared and strict action would connects the port in Baluchistan to be taken against them under the law. He directed in China, has a number of projects distributed among

A Monthly Newsletter on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir 4 the provinces of Pakistan. Similarly, the Gilgit- Jehlum and River Chenab respectively where Baltistan region sets to gain from the Moqpondaas Pakistan has right of unrestricted use under the treaty. Special Economic Zone. The 250 acres of land have Pakistan has severely objected to the designs of these been identified which is allotted for this SEZ and the controversial projects and has been initial feasibility report has already been shared with requesting the Bank for the constitution of court of the Chinese counterpart. The type of industry this arbitration since long, while India is asking for SEZ offers include Marble, Granite, Iron ore appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issue. processing, Steel industry, Food processing, Leather industry and Mineral processing industry. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/351503-pak-india-water- dispute-new-govt-to-approach-wb-again https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2018/08/05/cpec-a-boon-for- gilgit-baltistan/ Mian Abrar, Military operation in Gilgit-Baltistan likely MA Mir, AJK PM warns India not to abolish Article 35A Pakistan Today, August 6, 2018

The Express Tribune, August 5, 2018 The situation in violence-hit areas of Tanger and Darel of Gilgit Baltistan (GB) remains tense as the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister local administration has failed to take action against Farooq Haider Khan has warned India not to the suspects involved in setting over a dozen schools, play with fire by trying to abolish Article 35A of the almost half of them for girls, on fire, as the authorities Constitution and changing special status of the are set to hold a key meeting with local jirga on occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking on the August 7 to help bring the culprits to justice. Indian move to abolish Article 35A of the Indian Constitution that triggered widespread protests across Though the GB government claims that the situation Kashmir, he said, “If the Indian government touches is returning back to normal, several sources have Article 35A of the Constitution, the Kashmiri nation informed Pakistan Today that the militants have taken will resist the move on both sides of the over Tanger and Darel. They said that a mob Control with tooth and nail.” attacked the Tanger Police Station and freed around half-a-dozen suspects arrested for putting the schools https://tribune.com.pk/story/1773654/1-ajk-pm-warns-india- on fire. not-abolish-article-35a/ https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/08/06/military- Israr Khan, Pak-India water dispute: New govt operation-in-gilgit-baltistan-likely/ to approach WB again Jamil Nagri, Four more picked up for torching The News, August 7, 2018 schools in Diamer

With the changing geo-political situation, the new Dawn, August 7, 2018 political government would knock again at the door of the World Bank regarding Indian government’s Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman on violation of the Indus Water Treaty 1960 and demand August 6 said that four suspected militants believed setting up a ‘court of arbitration’ to settle the water to be involved in torching of girls schools in Diamer disputes between the two countries, sources told The had been arrested in the Tangir area during a search News. operation. Addressing a press conference along with his adviser on information Shams Mir, the CM said India and Pakistan are disputing the construction of that a joint investigation team had been constituted 330MW Kishenganga and 850MWs of Ratle to probe the incident. According to Mr Rehman, 12 hydropower projects being built by Indian on River schools were partially damaged while two schools

September 2018 5 were completely torched using explosive material. empowerment of AJK government. https://www.dawn.com/news/1425432 President Sardar Masood Khan has said that the 13th Amendment to the AJK’s Interim Constitution Act, Melting glaciers threaten villagers’ existence in 1974, reflects the popular demand and aspirations of Gilgit-Baltistan the people. AJK President Masood Khan, who is also Chancellor of the AJK-based state-run AJK Dawn, August 7, 2018 Universities, expressed these views while addressing the inaugural session of a seminar on “Constitutional When a glacial lake burst in Gilgit-Baltistan in July, Reforms 2018”. It was organized by the state-run Sher Baz watched helplessly as the waters swept away Mirpur University of Science and Technology his family home. Residents of Badswat village, which (MUST) at its main campus here on August 6. lies in the Ishkoman valley at the foot of the Hindu Kush mountain range’s snow-capped peaks, were at The AJK president highly applauded the role of Prof the mercy of the flash flood that carried off homes, Habibur Rahman, the vice chancellor, for taking the roads and bridges, as well as crops and forest. “Thank timely initiative to host the seminar on Constitutional God we are alive, but everything we owned was Reforms 2018 and inviting some of the best minds washed away by the floods when the glacial lake and experts on the subject to analyse the reforms. burst,” said Baz, a 30-year old father of four. https://nation.com.pk/07-Aug-2018/experts-hope-speedy- https://www.dawn.com/news/1425431 uplift-in-ajk

13th amendment a landmark achievement for Ikram Junaid Construction of dams to begin in AJK: Masood Khan 2019, apex court told

Pakistan Today, August 7, 2018 Dawn, August 08, 2018

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, Masood Khan on August 6 said that the 13th who has been taking a great deal of interest in the amendment to the AJK’s Interim Constitution Act, construction of dams, was informed on August 7 that 1974, is a landmark achievement and reflects the work on their construction would start after his popular demand and aspirations of the people of Azad retirement. The CJP’s retirement is due in January Jammu and Kashmir. 2019.

The president expressed these views while addressing Retired lieutenant general Muzam•mil Hussain, the inaugural session of the seminar on Constitutional chairman of the Water and Power Development Reforms 2018, organised by the Mirpur University Authority (Wapda), was briefing a four-member of Science and Technology (MUST) at its main bench of the Supreme Court on the work of the campus. Implementation Committee of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams (ICBMD) that he heads. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/08/06/13th- amendment-a-landmark-achievement-for-ajk-masood-khan/ The bench was informed that in view of the procurement, the time frame determined by the Experts hope speedy uplift in AJK ICBMD, work on the construction of Mohmand dam project was expected to commence in the early 2019, The Nation, August 7, 2018 whereas all-out efforts were being made to start the Speakers hoped that the constitutional reforms would construction of Diamer-Basha dam project next year. bring about socio-economic uplift and speedy https://www.dawn.com/news/1425657 progress in all the spheres of life through the

A Monthly Newsletter on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir 6 MA Mir, Attempts to alter Kashmir demography May 21, 2018, and replaced the Gilgit Baltistan slammed Empowerment and Self Governance Order 2009, with the ostensible aim to provide the ‘same rights enjoyed The Express Tribune, August 11, 2018 by the other citizens of Pakistan to people of Gilgit Baltistan’. The new order purportedly provides The Opposition leader in Azad Jammu and Kashmir political, administrative, financial and judicial powers Legislative Assembly (AJKLA) Chaudhry to people in the region. However, the order shifted Muhammad Yaseen on August 10 condemned the powers from the Gilgit Baltistan Council — including Indian government for changing the demography of those related to passing laws relating to minerals and “Occupied Jammu and Kashmir”. He accused India tourism — to the Gilgit Baltistan Assembly. A of converting Muslim majority of Occupied Jammu comparative analysis of the 2009 ad 2018 Orders and Kashmir into a minority for political gains. indicates that the ‘special rights’ the people of Gilgit Baltistan enjoyed have been curtailed further. For Addressing the media, Yaseen said that Aricle 35A instance, the Legislative Power, according to the 2009 debate in Indian Supreme Court is just a bid of Order, was vested in the Gilgit Baltistan Council Baratiya Janata Party (BJP) and Modi government (though this was led by the Prime Minister of to open the way for the settlement of in Pakistan, but also had representatives from Gilgit Kashmir aimed to change its population ratio. Baltistan) and the Gilgit Baltistan Assembly. As per the 2018 Order, this power lies with the Prime https://tribune.com.pk/story/1778107/1-attempts-alter- kashmir-demography-slammed/ Minister of Pakistan and the Gilgit Baltistan Assembly. Furthermore, as per 2018 Order, the Dr Syed Nazir Gilani, Prime Minister Imran “ may, if it deems necessary Khan’s Kashmir test to acquire any land situate in Gilgit-Baltistan for any purpose, require the Government to acquire the land Daily Times, August 13, 2018 on behalf, and at the expense, of the Government of Pakistan or, if the land belongs to the Government, Kashmiris living in all the four provinces of Pakistan to transfer it to the Government of Pakistan on such have voted for National Assembly and Provincial terms as may be agreed mutually”. There was no such Assemblies on July 25. They have 12 seats in the provision as per 2009 Order. This inclusion appears Assembly. The Kashmiri vote in to be intended to facilitate massive acquisitions to Pakistan represents a strong constituency of interest house the CPEC project. Further, according to the for the government and the people of Pakistan. They Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for have a provincial, national, regional and international Human Rights (OUNHCHR) Report on Human legal personality. Their importance in a future UN- Rights Concerns in Gilgit Baltistan released on June supervised vote in Kashmir’s referendum has not 14, 2018, the 2018 Order retains restrictions on been properly appreciated. freedom of expression and association of people that existed under the 2009 Order. Article 9(2) under the https://dailytimes.com.pk/282492/prime-minister-imran- fundamental rights section states, “No person or khans-kashmir-test/ political party in the area comprising Gilgit-Baltistan shall propagate against, or take part in activities S. Binodkumar Singh, Pakistan: Deception In prejudicial or detrimental to the ideology of Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan.” This provision has employed in sweeping initiatives to quash any dissent in the region. Eurasia Review, August 14, 2018 http://www.eurasiareview.com/14082018-pakistan-deception- The Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 was promulgated by in-gilgit-baltistan-analysis/ the former Prime Minister on

September 2018 7 AJK observers black day on India’s independence are symbol of courage and bravery. He said that three police martyrs fought bravery with terrorists at The Express Tribune, August 16, 2018 Kargha police check post and embraced martyrdom. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, people on August 15 He said the terrorists who destroyed schools in observed India’s Independence Day as a black day Diyamir deserve strict exemplary punishment and to register strong protest against continued forced urged the government to bring the culprits to justice. illegal occupation of a large part of Jammu and Raja Jahanzaib urged GB government to ensure Kashmir State by India. surveillance on all entry and existpoints of GB while strengthening the security measures. The Indian Independence Day was marked with protest rallies in all small and major towns across https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/tribute-paid-to-gilgit- the liberated territory. Addressing these rallies baltistan-police-marty-411223.html speakers vehemently condemned the frequent incidents of unprovoked firing by the Indian troops GB CM’s degree challenged on the line of control and the working boundary by the Indian army targeting the civilian population Dawn, August 18, 2018 dwelling at the forward areas. The educational degree of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister https://tribune.com.pk/story/1781842/1-ajk-observers-black- Hafeezur Rehman was challenged in the GB Supreme Appellate day-indias-independence/ Court on August 17. The petitioner, ’s GB chapter senior vice president Jamil Ahmad, has requested Faizan Hashmi, AJK Calls For Negotiated the region’s top court to disqualify the chief minister as member Settlement of Kashmir Issue of the GB Assembly as his education degree was fake. Through his counsel Malik Kifayatul Rehman, Mr Ahmad said in the Urdu Point, August 16, 2018 petition that the educational degree submitted by the chief minister during the election on a technocrat seat in GBLA in Describing Kashmir as political dispute, Azad Jammu 2009 was fake. The petition argued that as the chief minister Kashmir President Sardar Masood Khan August 16 was not Sadiq and Ameen (honest and truthful), he, should, urged India to pursue diplomacy with Pakistan to therefore, be removed from the post as he stood disqualified. settle the issue amicably. “Kashmir is an international dispute still pending on agenda of the UN Security https://www.dawn.com/news/1427767 Council as one of the dispute that needs to be Troops deployed after militants torch police check addressed under relevant UN resolution,” President post in GB’s Ghizer valley Khan said during his meeting with AJK Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Chaudhry The Express Tribune, August 19, 2018 Javed Iqbal, who called on him at President House on August 16. troops were deployed alongside local security officials in Gilgit Baltistan’s (GB) Ghizar https://www.urdupoint.com/en/kashmir/ajk-calls-for- valley after militants attacked and torched police negotiated-settlement-of-kashmi-412205.html check posts on August 19. According to sources, Fahad Shabbir, Tribute Paid To Gilgit Baltistan militants torched a seasonal check post and police Police Martyrs camps near Saingal village in Ghizar valley. Following an exchange of fire with the security Urdu Point, August 15, 2018 officials, the militants managed to escape from the incident site with ammunition. The security Member Gilgit Baltistan Assembly Raja Jahanzaib parameters were heightened and police officials were August 15 paid tribute to police martyrs and said they stationed in Ghizar for the last two weeks in

A Monthly Newsletter on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir 8 anticipation of terrorists’ involved in Diamer school ministry in P Block of the Secretariat after taking attacks finding refuge in the valley. oath on August 20, where he urged for the need to find innovative ways to complete Basha Dam. He https://tribune.com.pk/story/1784650/1-troops-deployed- attended the three-hour long briefing, and advised militants-torch-police-check-post-gbs-ghizer-valley/ the concerned officials to focus on the social sector, without knowing that the social sector had been SCO providing digital telecom facilities in AJK devolved to the provinces in the aftermath of the 18th The Nation, August 20, 2018 constitutional amendments. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/357844-new-planning- In Azad Jammu Kashmir has been provided with minister-briefed-on-dams-cpec digital telecom facilities through the inter-linking of all its areas including those located in far flung and Famine, drought will get worse if steps aren’t top mountainous belts by the Special taken: Khusro Bakhtiar, Communications Organization, the state institution that runs the telecom system in AJK and Gilgit- Duniya News, August 24, 2018 Baltistan. A grand dinner was hosted by the SCO to celebrate its 42nd Founding Anniversary at its Mess. Federal Minister for Water Resources The SCO is determined to deliver the quality telecom Khusro Bakhtiar on August 24 said that if emergency services in AJK and GB. Commanding Officer SCO steps are not taken, problems such as famine and Mirpur Division Syed Ayad Hassan cut the 42nd drought will deteriorate. During meeting with Water anniversary cake of the SCO on the occasion. Ayad and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) reiterated his organisation’s resolve to furnish its chairman Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain, federal valued subscribers with all possible latest telecom minister was briefed about water and power projects facilities harmonious to the need of the modern age which are in progress. However, the minister also to bring the country in the ranks of the developed discussed Diamer Basha, , Karam Tangi Dam nations. He highlighted the salient features of the projects with WAPDA chairman, on the other hand, achievements of his organisation since its inception situations of water reservoirs in all four provinces in 1976. were remained under consideration during congregation. Besides all these, Federal Minister for It is delivering quality telecom facilities to its Water Resources stated that the strategy to resolve subscribers in Azad Jammu & Kashmir including in energy crisis will be developed; and to choose the all three districts of Mirpur division including Mirpur, alternative sources of energy are indispensible if we and Bhimbher. want to triumph over energy crises, while talking https://nation.com.pk/20-Aug-2018/sco-providing-digital- about solution of water resources, new water basins telecom-facilities-in-ajk must be insured, he further added.

Mehtab Haider, New planning minister briefed on https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/453844-Famine-drought- will-get-worse-if-steps-aren/%27t-taken-Khusro-Bakhtiar dams, CPEC Masud Ahmad Khan, Terror threats to Gilgit The News, August 21, 2018 Baltistan loom ahead Newly appointed Minister for Planning Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar was informed on August 20 that the Daily Times, August 26, 2018 government allocated Rs23 billion for Basha and Rs2 The location of Gilgit Baltistan is strategically very billion for Mohmand dams in the current fiscal year, important as it borders Indian occupied Kashmir, and estimated time needed to complete Basha dam China and Afghanistan. Gilgit Baltistan is as was ten years. The minister visited his office in the important as it was in 1880s during the great game

September 2018 9 when Russia occupied cities like Bokhara, journey to ‘Azad Kashmir’, a place in Pakistan- Samarkand and Khiva and were pressing Pamirs, occupied Kashmir which Human Rights Watch report Oxus and Afghanistan. Russians were just short of has concluded is anything but azad (free). British India by a few hundred miles, and the British were desperate to make sure that this part of their The journey “between the great divide” acquaints you border was clear so that the Russians could not sneak with a region that is almost set in oblivion, of which down through the Pamir mountains into and little is known to the outside world and whose Gilgit. A Russian officer, Colonel Gromchevtasky, residents almost don’t appear to count to powers that along with Cossacks, entered through Pamir be or to a nation that professes to administer it. and met Mir of Hunza and his presence was taken as It is a journey that makes you meet generations that the start of the great game. have not stepped out of turmoil. However, at the present, the game has changed, and They live in constant fear of shelling and violence is now being played between America and China, and don’t enjoy basic rights and privileges in a land with less involvement by Russia. It revolves around they want to call their own but whose fate is only China’s OBOR and CPEC projects. getting more uncertain each passing day. https://dailytimes.com.pk/287996/terror-threats-to-gilgit- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sunday-special/book- baltistan-loom-ahead/ reviews/trapped-voices-from-azad-kashmir/642845.html Imtiaz Ali Taj, Bid to attack Gilgit-Baltistan girls’ India wants to expel Kashmiri to grab school foiled: police land for Hindu settlers: Masood Dawn, August 26, 2018 Pakistan Observer, August 27, 2018 Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) police on August 26 claimed Now Indian government, President Masood went on to have foiled a terror bid targeting a girls’ school in to say intends to settle so-called refugees of West Ghizer district and arrested 13 suspected terrorists. Pakistan and its citizen from Punjab, Rajistan, Bihar According to Deputy Inspector General Gohar and other Indian states. He assured the refugees from Nafees, all the arrested suspects are students of a local “occupied Kashmir” that the government of Pakistan seminary run by a local named Inayatullah. According and Azad Kashmir will take care of all their needs by to Alif Ailaan’s Pakistan District Education Rankings providing them food, residencies, and facilities of 2017, GB received a score of 63.18, getting fourth health and education to their children. He said that position in the list of eight Pakistan territories with government will never discriminate between the local respect to quality of education. population and the refugees from occupied Kashmir. However, Diamer is the lowest-ranking district in T terms of quality of education, with a score of 36.37, he President also assured that quota reserved for the and among the 10 lowest-ranking districts in Pakistan. children of refugees in government jobs and https://www.dawn.com/news/1429064 educational institutions will be implemented in letter and spirit. President Masood further said that the Gitanjali Sharma, Trapped voices from ‘Azad government will consider the demand of the refugees Kashmir’ for the provision of land for the graveyard, construction of the road within the camp and The Tribune, August 27, 2018 provision of clean drinking water. The gathering was also addressed by commissioner rehabilitation of AJK Helplessness. This is a strong feeling that Government Ataullah Ata, President refugees camp accompanies you as Anam Zakaria takes you on a

A Monthly Newsletter on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir 10 Shaheem Ahmed, Ghulam Hussain Butt, and Abdul of the oppressed Kashmiri people to the world by Ahad Lone. highlighting their just and legitimate struggle,” Sardar Masood said. https://pakobserver.net/india-wants-to-expel-kashmiri- muslims-to-grab-land-for-hindu-settlers-masood/ https://www.urdupoint.com/en/kashmir/ajk-vows-to-carry- forward-mission-of-the-jamm-420704.html Sumaira FH, GB Govt Accords Priority To Resolving Youth’s Problems: Chief Minister Gilgit WAPDA chairman presents report on dams to Baltistan Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman CJP

Urdu Point August 28, 2018 Pakistan Today, August 30, 2018

Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Hafiz Hafeezur Implementation Committee of Diamer-Basha and Rehman said August 28 that government was taking Mohmand Dams (ICDBMD)/Pakistan Water and tangible measures for welfare of the youth. Taking Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman with members of the youth parliament, the GB CM Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain (r) called on the Chief said since youth played important role in socio- Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar here at economic development of a country, GB government Supreme Court on August 30. He presented him the was investing more resources for creating comprehensive report of the ICDBMD for early opportunities for them to gear them up for their future commencement and timely completion of the two role. vital multi-purpose projects namely Diamer-Basha Dam and Mohmand Dams with cumulative gross He said that establishment of youth parliament in GB water storage capacity of 9.3 million acre-feet (MAF) was a good step which would be encouraged at all and electricity generation capacity of 5300 megawatts forums, adding the parliament should forward (MW). suggestions for improving governance in the area. He was of the view that efforts should be made to The ICDBMD report encompasses issues relating to establish a youth think-tank as well as to resolve all the construction of the two projects, outstanding issues through practical measures. recommendations to overcome the impediments and the strategy to be adopted for initiation of work on https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/gb-govt-accords- Mohmand and Diamer-Basha Dams as soon as priority-to-resolving-youths-419511.html possible.

Sadia Abbas , AJK Vows To Carry Forward https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/08/30/wapda- Mission Of The Jammu & Kashmir Martyrs chairman-presents-report-on-dams-to-cjp/

Urdu Point, August 29, 2018 Tackling terrorism

AJK President Sardar Masood Khan has said that the The Express Tribune, August 31, 2018 freedom loving people of Occupied Jammu Kashmir are struggling to complete the mission of the martyrs The interior ministry has informed the Senate of of 1947 freedom war for completion of the unfinished Pakistan that more than 16,022 people have been agenda of the division of the sub-continent . He arrested from all over the country between 2013 and expressed these views while addressing a public 2017 on terrorism charges, and out of them 2,525 meeting held in connection with Youm-e- Shuhadah- have been awarded punishment. The fact that most e- Dothan in on August 29. “It is our of the arrests — i.e. 10,993 — have been made in moral, religious and political obligation to take voice Punjab shows that the country’s largest province is

September 2018 11 performing better than all other provinces and convictions also, Punjab stands ahead of all at 1,970, regions. The figures of arrests at other places are: out of a total of 2,525 punished. Besides, convictions 2,728 in , 1,967 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 147 from Sindh stand at 255, K-P 234, Balochistan 54, in Balochistan, 126 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 61 in the Gilgit-Baltistan 10 and the federal capital 10. Of those federal capital. However, details of arrests from Fata convicted, 376 were awarded death sentence. and Azad Kashmir were not available. In case of https://tribune.com.pk/story/1791627/1-tackling-terrorism-2/

A Monthly Newsletter on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir 12 Economic Developments

MA Mir, AJK approves projects worth Rs1.31 Mohmand Dam Fund, at the State Bank of Pakistan, billion stood at INR964,228,751. The fund was established July 4 by a INR1 million donation from the personal The Express Tribune, August 17, 2018 account of Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, following a decision by the court that The Azad Kashmir government on August 16 said “construction of the dams could be implemented approved three projects of roads worth Rs1.31 billion. in letter and spirit.” The approval was granted in the meeting of Central Development Working Committee (CDWC), which The most recent donation came from the chief was chaired by Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider executive of Brewery. Other donors include Khan for the financial year 2018-19 held on August the Pakistan Broadcasters Association and the Punjab 15. The meeting was also attended by the members Caretaker Minister, Agriculture, Food, Planning and of AJK Cabinet, chief secretary, additional chief Development. All employees of the Supreme Court secretary (Development), secretary finance, secretary announced that officers would donate two days’ salary of respective line department and officers of the and staff would donate one day’s salary. The fund Planning and Development. may receive donations from domestic and internationals donors. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1782716/1-ajk-approves-projects- worth-rs1-31-billion/ https://www.hydroworld.com/articles/2018/08/fund-to-build- diamer-basha-and-mohmand-dams-in-pakistan-reaches-nearly- Elizabeth Ingram, Fund to build Diamer Basha inr1-billion.html and Mohmand dams in Pakistan reaches nearly INR1 billion

Hydro World, August 17, 2018

Nearly INR1 billion (US$14.3 million) has been raised in just over a month to build the Diamer Basha and Mohmand dams in Pakistan. As of August 17, the Supreme Court of Pakistan Diamer Basha and

September 2018 13 Fact Sheet on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) Languages: Punjabi, Hindko, Pahari, Kashmiri, Balti, Puriki, Shina Administrative Divisions: Two, namely Mirpur- (referred to as Azad Jammu & Kashmir Political Parties and Groups: United Jammu and or AJK by Pakistan) and Federally Administered Kashmir Peoples' National Party, AJK Muslim Gilgit-Baltistan (FAGB). Conference, International Kashmir Alliance, JK National Party, Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front Area ceded to China by Pakistan: 5180 sq. (Amanullah), Peoples United Action Committee, All kilometres (Area of Shaksgam Valley) Parties National Alliance (APNA)

(Source: Jammu & Kashmir Government website at http:// (Source: Azad Jammu & Kashmir Government website at http:/ www.jammukashmir.nic.in/, accessed on November 14,010) /www. www.ajk.gov.pk/, accessed on November 14, 2010)

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Gilgit-Baltistan

Area: 13,297 square km Area: 72,496 sq. kilometers

Population: 2.973 million (1998 population census), Population: 870,347 (1998 population census) Male, 1.850 million; Female, 1.832 million Capital: Gilgit Capital: Muzaffarabad Districts: Nine Kashmir (Muzaffarabad Division) comprises of 3 districts: Bagh, Muzaffarabad and Neelum, Hattian Baltistan Region (part of ) is divided into Ghanche, , Kharmang and districts Jammu (Mirpur Division) comprising of 5 districts: , Kotli, Mirpur, Sudhnati/Pallandari and Gilgit Region is divided into , Diamer, Ghizer, Rawalakot/Poonch, Haveli Hunza- and Gilgit districts

President: Sardar Muhammad Masood Khan Ethnic Groups: Shin, Balti, Puriki, Ladakhi, Wakhi, Yashkun, Tibetan, Mongol, Tatar, Mon, Pashtun, Prime Minister: Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khowar, Dom, Gujjar, Rajput and Kashmiri Khan Religious Groups: Shia (Twelvers), Nurbakhshi AJK Council: Total 17 members (Twelvers), Ismaili, Sunni, and Ahlehadith

AJK Legislative Assembly: Total seats are 49 Languages: Shina, Balti, Wakhi, Khowar, Gujjari, , Puriki, Kashmiri, Pashto Ethnic Groups: Gujjars, Jats, Mughal, Rajputs, Sudhan, Awan, Qureshi, Pashtuns, Shins, Ladakhi, Gilgit-Baltistan Council: Total 15 members Baltis etc. Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly: Total 33 Religious Groups: Sunni, Ahlehadith, Shia, members (24 members directly elected) Nurbakhshi, Christians, Qadianis, Hindus

A Monthly Newsletter on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir 14 Governor of G-B: Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan (GBDA), Gilgit Baltistan

Chief Minister G-B: Hafiz Hafiz-ur-Rehman National Alliance (GBNA), All Parties National Alliance (APNA) Political Parties and Groups: Balwaristan National Front (BNF), Gilgit-Baltistan Thinkers Forum, Gilgit- (Sources: Jammu & Kashmir Government website at http:// Baltistan, United Movement (GBUM), Baltistan www.gilgitbaltistan.gov.pk, & website of the Balwaristan National Movement, National National Front, http://www.balawaristan.net, accessed on Movement, Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance November 14, 2010)

September 2018 15 A MONTHLY NEWS DIGEST ON PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR Volume 11 Number 9 Septemeber 2018

Disclaimer

PoK News Digest is a collection of news reports and press releases published in various newspapers and local media related to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), referred to as 'Azad Kashmir' and 'Gilgit Baltistan' by the government of Pakistan. The news reports have been edited and abridged to provide clarity. IDSA is not responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of the news items.

POK NEWS DIGEST

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